There will be no time to rest for the U.S. men’s national team following this year’s World Cup in Qatar as they will start preparations for the 2026 tournament with a pair of friendlies against Serbia and Colombia at the start of the new year.
The two games, which were announced on Wednesday by U.S. Soccer, will see the Americans face Serbia on Jan. 25 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles followed by Colombia on Jan. 28 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.
As the games do not fall within the FIFA international dates, the U.S. will very likely comprise of an MLS-heavy roster as players gear up for the new domestic season.
The matchup with Serbia, who will also being playing in the World Cup later this month, will be the fourth meeting between the two countries. January 2017 was the last time the two met as they played out a 0-0 draw in San Diego, California. The U.S. has not fared well against Colombia in their previous 20 encounters. The last time they played against each other, the South Americans came away with a 4-2 win In Tampa Florida.
The two games are just the beginning for the United States as they prepare to host the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada.
